I had the luck to work with Bob Riley a few times. He was a very practical and calm problem solver.
Photography Courtesy Riley Technologies
Bob Riley, founder of Riley Technologies and designer of some of the most cutting-edge and highly successful race cars in history, has passed away at the age of 93.
Famed racer and President of the Road Racing Drivers Club, Bobby Rahal, had this to say following the news:
"I knew Bob Riley. He was not just a creative, practical engineer/designer but a humble, energetic gentleman. I was fortunate to work with him in 1983-84 on the Ford Mustang project.
"A victory in its first race clearly showed its capabilities, but engine unreliability hampered our efforts in virtually every race. Despite this, there was no question the car handled beautifully and therefore such a shame that Bob's car never achieved the success he deserved.
"I saw Bob at Road Atlanta two weeks ago. As always, he was in good spirits, and we spoke. Motorsport is the poorer with Bob's passing.
"RIP my friend. You will be missed."
Riley’s work includes the Le Mans-winning Ford GT Mk IV, the SpeedSource Mazda RX-8 Grand-Am race cars, the GTS-R and GT3-R SRT Vipers as well as one of the winningest prototype racers ever constructed, the Intrepid RM-1 Mk III.
I had the luck to work with Bob Riley a few times. He was a very practical and calm problem solver.
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